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Articles

Acetyl-L-carnitine.

Author

Date

12/1999

Journal

Altern Med Rev

Abstract

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is an ester of the trimethylated amino acid,
L-carnitine, and is synthesized in the human brain, liver, and kidney
by the enzyme ALC-transferase. Acetyl-L-carnitine facilitates the
uptake of acetyl CoA into the mitochondria during fatty acid
oxidation, enhances acetylcholine production, and stimulates protein
and membrane phospholipid synthesis. ALC, similar in structure to
acetylcholine, also exerts a cholinomimetic effect. Studies have
shown that ALC may be of benefit in treating Alzheimer's dementia,
depression in the elderly, HIV infection, diabetic neuropathies,
ischemia and reperfusion of the brain, and cognitive impairment of
alcoholism.